Geologists consider that the eruption at Hunga volcano has died down, after observations yesterday, showed no signs of the volcanic plume for over 36 hours.
Tonga Geological Services reported that satellite images captured between 5:30 AM yesterday and 5:30 AM this morning (Thursday) looked normal.
“Volcanic activity is considered to have ceased, and the volcano has reverted to its normal, non-eruptive state. Monitoring will continue for 7 days from the last detected activity before declaring total in-active.”
ªThere is no risk to the aviation sector at this time‚” TGS stated.
However, they reissued a warned for public safety, advising that sailors passing near the volcano should stay at least 5km away at all times.
“The discolouration of the sea shows a significant discharge of volcanic fluids (steam, condensates laden with chemical elements) into the sea and contaminating the seawater. This discolouration may last for a month or more. It is advised to assume fish and marine species in these waters are poisoned or poisonous if consumed.”
The volcanic eruption at Hunga volcano began on Dec. 20, 2021 and has continued intermittently, with steam and ash eruptions over the last two and a half weeks.
Yesterday, Wednesday, an extensive pumice float washed up on the north western beaches of Tongatapu, thought to have come from the Hunga volcano 65km to the north west.
Kanokupolu resident, Shane Egan, told Matangi Tonga, “The pumice has been pushed from the erupting Hungas by the strong northerly wind and high seas over the past two days.”
